Survival rates of children with cancer continue to increase
The survival rate of children with cancer continues to rise, according to figures published by IKNL. Healthcare professionals and scientists at the Princess Máxima Center remain committed to curing even more children with cancer and improving the quality of life of children and survivors.
Compared to the period 1990-1999, the survival rate of children diagnosed with cancer in 2010 through 2018 is markedly higher. For diagnoses during the latter period, the survival rate was 84 percent, up from 74 percent in the 1990s.
‘It is good to see that survival in childhood cancer has continued to increase,’ Prof. Dr. René Medema, Chief Scientific Officer, says of the new IKNL figures. ‘In several forms of leukemia, such as AML and ALL, we see the largest increase thanks to a sum of many different improvements. But across the board, there are still too many children with an extremely poor prognosis: the most difficult-to-treat tumors remain. That is why it is so important to continue to join forces of healthcare professionals and researchers within the Netherlands, within Europe and worldwide. Only together can we achieve the breakthroughs needed to cure all children with cancer, with optimal quality of life.’
Following the new figures, pediatric oncologist dr. Wouter Kollen and pediatric neurosurgeon prof. dr. Eelco Hoving gave an interview to the AD newspaper. Among other things, they talked about the strides being made with immunotherapy for treatment of leukemia, how new technology lets doctors operate better, and approaches to permanently improve the quality of life of children and survivors.
IKNL’s full press release can be found here. The AD interview is here.
Laigo Bio at Utrecht Science Park raises €11.5 million in investments
Laigo Bio, a start-up located at Utrecht Science Park in the Life Sciences Incubator building, announced today that it has raised €11.5 million in investments from a large number of leading investors.
Ronald McDonald House Utrecht presents plans for new, larger House with 50 rooms
Ronald McDonald House Utrecht is building for the future. At Utrecht Science Park, next to the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital and within walking distance of the Princess Máxima Center, Ronald McDonald House Utrecht has advanced plans to build a brand new, sustainable House with 50 guest rooms. Preparations are well underway, and construction is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026. The goal is to open the new House sometime in 2028. This expansion will allow the House to offer more families of seriously ill or care-intensive children a warm home, allowing them to be close to their sick child day and night.
Renewal and sustainability UMC Utrecht
In the coming years, most of the UMC Utrecht will be renovated, rebuilt or newly constructed. Many of our buildings are already nearly forty years old and require renovation and sustainability.
Utrecht Science Week anniversary edition a great success
The fifth edition of Utrecht Science Week was a resounding success! With more programs, locations, speakers, and visitors than ever before, we look back on an exciting week. The variety of programs and the diverse audience were wonderful to witness. This way, the groundbreaking research here at Utrecht Science Park isn’t kept behind closed doors, but is given the opportunity to inspire others.